Peduncles - Blooming Balcony Garden

What is a peduncle and why do I want one?

A Hoya peduncle is the stem-like structure from which blooms grow, typically growing from the leaf axils or nodes of the plant. Repeat blooms will continue to emerge from peduncles. Peduncles should never be cut because more buds will form from the same peduncle. Flowers can have a variety of colors, shapes, and scents.

Floral development stages

There are smells?

Hoya varieties produce peduncles with diverse aromas, ranging from delicate floral fragrances to more potent odors resembling urine. For instance, Hoya krohniana ‘Super Silver’ and Hoya lacunosa are known for their delightful jasmine-like scents and are relatively quick to bloom. Hoya ‘Sunrise’ can smell like citrus or honeysuckle blends. Of course, each scent depends on your own personal olfactory experience!

Encouraging blooms

Several factors influence the frequency and timing of Hoya blooms, including weather conditions, light exposure, water levels, and nutrient availability. Orchid fertilizer such as Jack’s 20-20-20 or Orchid Better-Bloom Booster Plant Food can be applied to the leaves and/or water to promote growth and flowering. Alternatively, hydroponic fertilizers can also be added to the watering regimen for your Hoyas.

Stressing your hoya may also encourage peduncle formations, such as light stress (slowly subjecting your plant to brighter or more light), watering stress (withholding water), or temperature changes (cool or warm temperatures can trigger peduncles to grow).

After flowering

At the end of a peduncle is a rachis. As your hoya continues to flower from that same peduncle, it will grow in length. Sometimes the rachis is called a spur and it tends to look lumpy, spiky, and textured.

Peduncles vs new vine/leaf growth

When looking for new peduncles, look for a little nub between growth points. Sometimes hoyas can grow peduncles in hidden areas, but they are usually between nodes or leaf growth points. If your suspected new growth is just a straight shot upwards, it’s most likely just a new vine and has tiny leaves waiting to emerge. Below are some examples of peduncles vs vines/leaves.